Iran Open to Nuclear Deal If U.S. Takes Realistic Stance, Says Official
Iran remains open to a nuclear agreement with the United States, provided Washington adopts a realistic approach, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Friday. His remarks came ahead of a second round of negotiations with the Trump administration.
“An agreement is within reach if the U.S. shows genuine intent and avoids unrealistic expectations,” Araqchi said during a press briefing in Moscow, following discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Araqchi noted that Iran had observed a serious tone from the U.S. during the initial round of discussions held in Oman last week. The upcoming meeting is scheduled for Saturday in Rome.
President Donald Trump has previously warned of military action against Iran should it refuse to accept a deal concerning its nuclear activities. While Iran maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, Western nations remain skeptical, fearing it could lead to the development of nuclear weapons.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov expressed Moscow’s willingness to support the process, stating, “Russia is prepared to mediate or play any constructive role to aid both Iran and the U.S.”
Russia has long been involved in the diplomatic process surrounding Iran’s nuclear file, particularly as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a party to the 2015 nuclear accord, which Trump exited in 2018.
During the visit, Araqchi delivered a letter from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at updating the Kremlin on the state of the talks.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated on Friday that while Washington seeks a diplomatic resolution, it will not permit Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.
